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Letters week of Oct. 2, 2008

Why Would You Publish Ads Attacking Obama?

I've noticed a recent rash of full-page ads purchased by the Republican Jewish Coalition claiming that Sen. Barack Obama's position on Israel is "dangerous, reckless, wrong, weak and naive."

I am not sure which appalls me more: that the ads (likening Obama to Patrick Buchanan) so flagrantly twist the truth -- or that the Jewish Exponent did not used its discretionary judgment and reject the RJC's ads based on factual inaccuracies.

I think the media should be nonpartisan and, while I'm not so naive as to expect this standard to be diligently upheld these days, I am disappointed that the Exponent, in particular, cares so little about the effect of running such ads so prominently.

Ads about Israel's welfare are appearing in a publication whose focus should be the positive promotion of Israel, especially because its readership cares so deeply about the well-being of the Jewish state. Your paper is used as a "guide" by so many of us that I think it imperative that you be nothing less than fastidious with regard to the information you print, even in advertisements.Stacey MandelBryn Mawr

Anti-Obama Ads Only Seek to Promote Panic

I am writing to express my extreme dismay and disappointment over the placement and prominence that the Jewish Exponent has seen fit to give to the Republican Jewish Coalition campaign ads that have been appearing with regularity in your newspaper.

They very cleverly but inaccurately portray Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama as someone who is incompetent, dangerous and a threat to Jews everywhere.

Although I certainly recognize the right of the the RJC to create and pay for such ads -- and more grudgingly recognize the right of the Exponent to publish them -- I am astounded at the prominent placement they've received in the first few pages of the paper.

It is my fervent hope that thoughtful and concerned Jews who care about the future of this country will seek the truth about Obama and take these ads for what they are: a biased organization's attempt to frighten people with outrageous lies and assertions.Sherry WolkoffMarlton, N.J.

Stop Favoring Democrats in Your Election Coverage

Elitist Jews are promoting the candidacy of Barack Obama for president of the United States. What we know is that the man sat for 20 years listening to a pastor who preached vile hatred for this country, white people and Jews in particular.

All of this is obvious to the rest of America, and is bound to have an effect on how Jews are eventually treated in this country.

And in this election, the vilest comments have been uttered by Jews, as in your cover story, "Vying for Votes, Parties Target the Veep Picks," in the Sept. 18 issue.

While the Jewish Exponent has not entirely sunk into this bottomless hole of slime, it has clearly shown it favors the Democrats in its news coverage.

Nevertheless, Jonathan Tobin's opinion columns are an example of civility in journalism. He offers comments based on facts. One may not always agree with him, but we can respect his opinion.Morris A. SchwalbPhiladelphia

Gov. Palin 'Disinvited' From Rally? It's a Shanda

The Jewish community should be embarrassed by the fact that Gov. Sarah Palin was dropped from the anti-Iran rally in New York City last week (Cover story: "Politics Runs Roughshod Over Iran Protests," Sept. 25).

Upon hearing about the invitation to Palin, Sen. Hillary Clinton withdrew from the rally. Sen. Biden, who has reportedly told Israeli officials that they "will just have to accept a nuclear armed Iran," declined to attend.

Jewish Democrats then "convinced" rally organizers to disinvite Palin. This is a real shanda for the Jewish community.

A nonpartisan event that had broad appeal to all Americans became a domestic political issue for the Democrats. Instead of protesting the man who is advocating another Holocaust against Jews, the Democrats decided to protest Palin.

The gutless leaders of the Jewish organizations who acquiesced to the alleged blackmail carried out by the Democrats should not bother to ask for further contributions from my family.Cornel SpieglerRichboro

Much Broader Discussion of Issues Exists in Israel

I found the piece by Asaf Romirowsky frustrating, in that it made blanket comments about "Israeli faculty members who advocate for a pro-Palestinian position ... [and are] critical of Israel and Israel's existence" (Advocacy Corner: "Study of Israel Can't Be Left to Its Enemies," Sept. 18).

This very broad accusation was made without offering names, quotations or references, so it is difficult to know what to make of it.

I would think that many Israelis have been critical of some actions by the Israeli government over the past decades, and would argue that changes are needed precisely to protect Israel's existence.

In general, there may well be a much broader range of discussion in Israel than here about how best to ensure Israel's survival.Ben StavisBala Cynwyd

Clinton Record on Peace Process Wasn't Too Good

In a letter by A. Kramer, it was asserted that one of President George W. Bush's failures was not "to pick up the torch of peace advocacy that was handed to him by the Clinton administration" (Letters: "More U.S. 'Engagement' in Peace Process Needed," Sept. 4).

All Clinton did was ask Israel to make more and more concessions to his friend Yasser Arafat, while during the same time he never asked Arafat to live up to one promise he made to Israel.Sid GlauserBoynton Beach, Fla.